19 September 2018 commemorates the 125th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage and 28 November commemorates the first time New Zealand women voted in a general election. Upper Hutt begins ten weeks of commemorations with the opening of a time capsule put together at the Women’s Suffrage centenary celebrations 25 years ago. Mayor Wayne Guppy will open the time capsule upstairs at The Mall in Upper Hutt on Wednesday 19 September at 10.00 am, and everyone is welcome to attend.

“This is a great opportunity to start off the celebrations and to find out what treasures may be inside,” says
Mayor Guppy.

Members of the community and Upper Hutt City Council officers have organised a number of events from September through November.

• Upper Hutt City Libraries’ Celebration of Upper Hutt Women is a mini exhibition at The Mall, running from
13 – 23 September. The exhibition showcases the lives and contributions of Upper Hutt women, including founding pioneer women and 1970s feminist groups.

• Golder Cottage, at 707 Fergusson Drive, has a display celebrating family ties, including Elizabeth Martin, the first woman to vote in Upper Hutt, and her daughter Jane Golder who was also on the first electoral roll that included women in 1893. The display features a comprehensive list of all the Upper Hutt women on the 1893 Suffrage Petition and 1893 Electoral Roll. The display can be seen at Golder Cottage every Saturday in September between 1.30 and 4.00 pm. The display continues in October and will also be open on Labour Day. An entry fee of $4.00 per person applies.

• Upper Hutt City Libraries is also delivering an amazing programme of activities for children, ranging from Great Women of History story times to a sash-making craft event. Activities take place on most Saturdays throughout September. On 26 September Woman Upp! is being held at 6.00 pm at the Pop-up Library. This event is aimed at teenagers who will hear from a group of young Upper Hutt women who have done some amazing and inspiring things for charity, their careers, and the community.

• Council’s H2O Xtream aquatic centre is hosting two events. On Friday 28 September, the hydro class will be followed by a special morning tea, and a guest speaker will be presenting at Women Only Swim Night on Sunday 14 October.

• Council’s Community Development team is bringing older and younger women together to talk about women’s rights—past and present. These stories will be recorded and curated into a digital archive which will be made available to the community.

• To round off the celebrations, an Inspiring Women breakfast will be held at Expressions Whirinaki Arts and Entertainment Centre on 28 November, from 8.00 – 9.00 am. The event celebrates the date women voted for the first time. It is a good opportunity to enjoy a breakfast with great women of Upper Hutt, and hear their stories in a Pecha Kuccha style presentation. The cost is $5.00 per person and bookings are essential.

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